Self-processing film unit with a removable processing composition supplying means

ABSTRACT

A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes a preregistered, integral image-recording unit supported on a rigid frame. The recording unit is strippably coupled to the frame and also to a cooperating pod and trap, respectively, for supplying a processing composition to the recording unit and for collecting any excess of the composition from the recording unit. Stripping of the recording unit from the frame, pod and trap is most effectively accomplished by one or more stripping fingers of related photographic apparatus, that are adapted to be inserted between the recording unit and the frame to separate the recording unit from the frame, pod and trap. The finished print is constructed in the recording unit, and, after the abovementioned stripping, is substantially unencumbered by other elements of the film unit necessary only for processing.

United States Patent [191 Harvey Nov. 6, 1973 [75] Inventor: Donald M. Harvey, Rochester, NY.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, NY.

22 Filed: Feb. 1, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 111,403

{52 us. CI. 96/76 c [51] Int. Cl. G03c 1/48 [58] Fleld of Search 96/29, 76

[56] 7 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,680,456 8/1972 Nerwin 96/76 R X 2,662,822 12/1953 Land 96/29 2,603,565 7/1952 Land 96/29.

3,615,539 10/1971 Land 96/29' 3,619,192 11/1971 Land 96/29 3,621,768 11/1971 Chen 1 96/29 Primary Examiner-Norman G. Torchin Assistant Examiner-John L. Goodrow Att'orneyRobert W. Hampton and J. Addison Mathews I 5 7] ABSTRACT A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes a preregistered, integral image-recording unit supported on a rigid frame. The recording unit is strippably coupled to the frame and also to a cooperating pod and trap, respectively, for supplying a processing composition to the recording unit and for collecting any excess of the composition from the recording unit. Stripping of the recording unit from the frame, pod and trap is most effectively accomplished by one or more stripping fingers of related photographic apparatus, that are adapted to be inserted between the recording unit and the frame to separate the recording unit from the frame, pod and trap. The finished print is con- .structed in'the recording unit, and,.after the abovementioned stripping, is substantially unencumbered by other elements of the film unit necessary only for processing.

16 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures 7 p PATENTEnuuv 6 I975 3770.441 sum 10? 9 FIG. 2

DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS SHEEI 2 0F 9 Pmm'mnv B 1975 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

AT TORNE YS PATENlEUHUY is I973 3370.441 SHEEI 30? g DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDImv 6 ms 3 770.41 SHEEI Q BF 9 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS PATENTEDuuv 5 ms SHEEI 5 BF 9 DONALD M. HARVEY mvsm-on "A r I 49;

'A T TOR NE YS PATENTED NOV 8 i975 SHEET 5 BF 9 DONALD M HARVEY INVENTOR. M "f ATTORNEYS PATENIEnnnv SL975 3770.44l saw 120? 9 ATTORNEYS PATENTED 5 5 SHEU BF 9 DONALD M. HARVEY 1N VEN TOR.

ATTORNE YS PATENIEnuuv 6 ma DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

BY a [hip ATTORNEYS SELF-PROCESSING FILM UNIT WITH 'A REMOVABLE PROCESSING COMPOSITION SUPPLYING MEANS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Ser. No. l 1 1,464 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,691,920, entitled FILM TRANSPORTING MECHANSIM; all filed concurrently herewith in my name.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to photographic-film units of the self-processing type, and more specifically to such film units comprising a preregistered imagerecording unit supported on a rigid frame.

It is well known in the photographic arts to provide film units with materials for processing the units immediately after their exposure. Generally such units include a photosensitive element comprising a support for at least one layer of photosensitive material, and a second element adapted to be registered with the photosensitive element for processing. A viscous processing composition is supplied to the unit at one end and is spread towarfd the other end by passing the unit between juxtaposed pressure-applying members that dis tribute the composition in a layer of predetermined thickness between the two elements. The distributed composition then permeates the layers of the unit to effect development of the photosensitive layers and the construction of an image in a mordant layer, either in the photosensitive or second element,to provide .a-substantially permanent and-visible photograph.

In a presently popular commercial film unit, generally referred to as being of the peel-apart" type, the photosensitive and second elements are spaced apart during exposure and are brought into superposition for processing. The image'or print-receiving layer is in the second element,and that element is stripped from the rest of the unit after processing to provide a positive right-reading print. Such a unit is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659.

The present invention is concerned with different types of film units generally referred to asbeing preregisered" or integral. The photosensitive and process'elements of a preregistered film unit are superposed or registered prior to exposure, while the same elements of an integral film unit permanently are maintained in superposed or registered relationship during and after processing.

The present invention is disclosed with a film unit that is both preregistered and integral. Such a unit includes photosensitive and second elements that are superposed prior to exposure and define a composite, permanently registered structure designed to remain substantially in the same physical form after processing. In presently known film units of this latter type, the second element is transparent, to permit exposure of the photosensitive materials from the top side of the unit, and-the image or print-receiving layer is located either in the process element, or, preferably, in the photosensitive element, to provide a positive image that need not be stripped from the rest of the unit. Film units of this latter type are disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned, copending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 027,990, entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of HE. Cole, now abandoned; and in French Pat. Nos. 2,006,255 and 2,006,256, published Dec. 26, 1969.

The present invention also is concerned with means for facilitating the handling of film' unitsin photographic apparatus. In units of the above-mentioned types, such means often has included one .ormore leaders, serving to interconnect a plurality of film units arranged in an assemblage or pack, and, at least in the case of peel-apart units, to couple the photosensitive and second or image-receiving elements of each i'e-.

spective film unit. Various types of such leaders are disclosed, for example, in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659. In certain other instances, and especially in the case of preregistered and integral film units, the leaders have been eliminated and driving rollers or picks have been provided for handling the film units. Examples of this latter type are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,447,437 and 3,51 1,152, issued June 3, 1969 and May 12 1970, respectively. I

The development of commercially practical film units of the preregistered and integral types has substantially reduced ,many of the problems inherent in peel-apart units, especially as encountered in first superposing and then separating the photosensitive and second or print-receiving elements. At the same time, however, numerous and often unexpected new problems have been encountered. By way of exampleonly, it is relatively easy with a peel-apart unit to separate the finished print from its leaders, pod and trap, and'other materials left over as waste after processing. Such separation is facilitated by the moistened interface at the point of separation between the print-receiving elementand the photosensitive element, resulting from the distribution of a processing composition therebetween. In integral film units, on the other hand, the finished print permanently remains attached to the photosensitive element, as well as to the process sheet, and separation of the' processing waste materials becomes more difficult because it cannot occur at themoistened interface provided by the distributed processing composition.

Solutions to many of these newly encountered problems are suggested, for example, in previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No.. 3,447,437, and in my copending U.S. application Ser. No. 33,677, entitled PHOTO- GRAPHIC APPARATUS, filed on May 1,1970. However, while such solutions generally have been considered satisfactory, each sufiers from certain problems. With film units of the type disclosed in the last mentioned patent, for example, the pod and any other protioned application, on the other-hand, a somewhat complex and difficult to assemble leader system must be provided, as well as a somewhat bulky or inconvenient storage mechanism'for collecting the leaders and other processing waste material. Additionally, such a unit and leader arrangement 'may not be sufficiently versatile an application to permit its adaptation to many different types of packs.

Still other types of self-processing film units, especially adapted for transparencies, are disclosed, for example, in US. Pat. Nos. 2,873,658 and 3,369,470, issued Feb. 17, 1959 and Feb. 20, 1968, respectively; and in commonly assigned copending U.S. application Ser. No. 685,687, entitled CARTRIDGE FOR DIS- PENSING AND STORING SLIDE TRANSPARENCY UNITS, filed on Nov. 24, 1967 in the name of H. J. Bartnick and H. Nerwin now US. Pat. No. 3,541,940. The film units disclosed in these last-mentioned patents and application include an image-recording element supported on a rigid frame that is particularly well adapted for handling by simplified mechanisms such as reciprocating claws, hooks or pushers. However, such units still require manual separation of processing waste material from the rest of the unit. Moreover, such film units are not adapted for and do not teach solutions to the more newly encountered problems associated-with preregistered and integral film units. Additionally, such units are compact in size, and the handling mechanisms utilized therewith are not directly adaptable for use with substantially larger film units generally considered necessary for prints viewed by reflected light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a film unit of the self-processing type including a preregistered imagerecording unit supported on a rigid frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a film unit including 'a container or pod for supplying a processing composition to the recording unit, and/or a trap for collecting any excess of the composition from the unit.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a film unit of the above types wherein the imagerecording unit is strippably coupled to the rigid frame, and the pod and/or trap are permanently coupled to the frame, to facilitate separation of the recording unit from materials necessary only for processing.

Still anotherobject of the invention is to provide a film unit including an image-recording unit supported on a plastic frame wherein the film unit is particularly adapted to cooperate with photographic apparatus including one or more stripping fingers for separating the recording unit from the frame.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a film unit of the above-mentioned types that easily can be handled by simple and inexpensive mechanisms in photographic apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide a film unit that is sufficiently versatile to permit its use in various types of assemblages and packs, and with different types of handling mechanisms, without substantial alteration to the unit itself.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the film unit comprises a preregistered and integral image-recording unit supported on a rigid plastic frame with a cooperating pod and trap, respectively,

for supplying a processing composition to the unit at one end and for collecting any excess of the composition at the other end. The image-recording unit is releasably or strippably coupled to the rigid frame along lateral edges of the recording unit and frame, while the pod and trap are permanently attached to the frame, such that the recording unit easily can be separated from the frame, pod and trap after processing has been initiated. The unit is particularly adapted for use with photographic apparatus including a stripping mechanism, such as a skiving finger, for engaging a portion of the film unit between the image-recording unit and frame to separate the recording unit from the frame and from the pod and trap. The unit also is particularly adapted for handling by reciprocating mechanisms such as claws or pushers while still being sufficiently versatile for use with other types of such mechanisms.

The invention and its objects and advantages, will become more apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a camera particularly adapted for usewith film units in accordancewith the present invention. i

FIG. 2 is a side-elevational view of the camera illustratedin FIG. 1 with portions thereof broken away to depict an assemblage of film units in accordance with the present invention located in operative position in the camera.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a film unit in accordance with the present invention and illustrating the film unit from the top or exposure side thereof with a part broken awayto more clearly show various elements of the unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 but illustrating the unit from the bottom or opposite side thereof.

FIGS. 5-8 are partial cross-sectioned views representing various portions of the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 when viewed from the positions identified in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are partial pictorial views illustrating the pod andtrap end portions of the film unit depicted inFIG.3.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a film pack including a cartridge containing an assemblage of film units in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 12-21 are partial cross-sectioned views depicting the manner in which a plurality of such film units will mate when stacked in an assemblage, and also depicting the film unit with cooperating pressure-applying members in various stages during the spreading of a processing composition across the film unit.

FIGS. 2225 are partial schematic views of the film unit with portions of cooperating photographic apparatus and depicting the manner in which one or more stripping fingers of the apparatus can be used to separate the image-recording unit from the rigid frame.

FIGS. 26-28 are partial side-elevational views schematically representing the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 with the camera depicted in FIG. 1 to illustrate. one

mechanism and method for handling film units in-accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Because photographic film units and cameras are 7,

particular to elements forming a part of, or cooperating directly with the present invention. Film and camera elements not specifically shown or described herein are selected from those known in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated comprising a film unit 1 provided with a rigid frame 2; an image-recording unit 3, including photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5, respectively; a pod or container 6 for supplying processing composition; and a trap or collector 7 for receiving any excess of the composition.

The photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5 accurately are constructed to define sheets having straight edges, square corners and appropriate borders,

and properly are registered during manufacture, to provide a uniformly flat, aesthetically pleasing structure that will maintain its integrity after processing. Except for the pod, trap and frame, included in the more comprehensive structure to be described hereinafter, the image-recording unit is intended to be supplied with all parts necessary forprocessing by the intended apparatus, and all such parts permanently are retained together without adversely affecting the finished print.

The frame 2 supports image-recording unit '3 with the pod 6 and trap 7 coupled to the recording unit for discharging a suitable processing composition between the elements at one end of the recording unit and for collecting any excess of the composition from between the elements at the opposite end thereof. The frame is particularly adapted for convenient handling of the entire film unit 1 from the final stages of manufacture to completion of the finished print and disposal of any processing waste material. Various other functions of the frame will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

The pod 6 and trap 7 permanently are secured to the frame, but only releasably are coupled to the imagerecording unit 3. Similarly, the image-recording unit is only releasably or strippably coupled to the frame. As will be described more fully hereinafter, such an arrangement of permanent and releasable couplings permits stripping after processing of the image-recording unit (then defining the finished print) from theframe, pod and trap. The latter three elements, then comprising processing waste material, may be collected in one packet, preferably enclosed and protected by a cartridge in which they originally were supplied, and may be discarded with little possibility of damage to any sensitive environment (e.g. clothing or person) by any remaining processing composition in the wastematerial. IMAGE-RECORDING UNIT (Photosensitive Element and Process Sheet) In a preferred form, photosensitive element 4 comprises a substantially flat, resilient support of transparent cellulose triacetate film base, illustrated in FIG. '4 as defining a first or leading end 8, a second or trailing end 9, lateral edges 10 and a central portion 11. At least the latter central portion supports respective layers of image-receiving material, opaque reflecting material, and a silver-halide emulsion with associated dyeimage providing material. Such layers preferably are arranged in the sequence given, with the support located near a first or outside face (the face visible in FIG. 4), where it can protect that side of the unit, and the silver-halide emulsion located near the opposite or developed print is adapted to be viewed through the" transparent support, from the bottom side of the unit.

The photosensitive elem'ent further'i-neludesappropriate means depicted schematically as a. border or margin 12 that extends entirely around the circumferential portions of the element. Such border or margin provides a sharp boundary defining both an exposure frame within which the latent image is adapted to be recorded, and 'a print frame that preferably is white and within which the finished print is adapted to be formed.

The process sheet or second element 5 also preferably is formed of a transparent material, such as cellulose triacetate film base, and defines a resilient, substantially flat sheet having leading and trailing ends, lateral edges, and a central portion corresponding to equivalent parts of the photosensitive element. In addition to its function in spreading the processing composition, to be described more fully hereinafter, the transs t nparent process sheet protects the top side of the photosensitive element and film unit while permitting the above-mentioned exposure of the silver-halide emulsion.

Photosensitive element'4 and process sheet 5 preferably are coextensive with one another, and may be maintained in registered or superposed facing relationship by any permanent seal or connection to define the. image-recording unit 3. Preferably the connection extends in a longitudinal direction at the lateral edges of the recording unit from its leading end to its trailing end. The resulting connection should be sufficiently impervious to the processing composition to prevent its premature escape from the lateral edges of the unit during processing.

Regardless of the particular type of seal or connection, or its particular manner of application, the photosensitive and process elements are secured substantially in direct contacting relationship, or the equivalent, at lateral marginal edge portions and in such a manner that the central portions of the elements are retained in registered overlying relationship. As will be described more fully hereinafter, however, the leading and trailing ends the the central portions of the elements are resiliently separable, to permit the introduction, spreading and collection of the processing compo- Additional features and advantages of this preferred image-recording unit are illustrated and described more fully in commonly assigned copending U.S. application Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, filed in the name of H. Nerwin on Sept. 9, 1970 now abandoned.

COMPREHENSIVE FILM UNIT (Including Frame, Pod and Trap) The image-recording unit described above, comprising the photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5, particularly is adapted to cooperate with various elements of the more comprehensive film unit 1 with which it has been illustrated. The latter unit includes the supporting frame 2, the container or pod 6, and the excess fluid collector or trap 7, all of which cooperate for recording and developing a latent image when used with the intended apparatus.

The container or pod 6 may include various cooperating parts, together defining a suitable processingcomposition supply mechanism, and preferably including a rupturable containing part generally comprising a rectangular blank of a vapor impervious material that is folded along a first side edge 17 and is securely sealed or closed along its ends 19 and 21. A second side 23, opposite from the folded side, is provided along substantially its entire length with a rupturable seal adapted to release a fluid composition from the container upon the application of hydraulic forces generated by passing the container between a pair of .juxtaposed pressure-applying members, such as rollers (FIG. 2). The containing part is coupled to or cooperates with a leading end of the image-recording unit in any suitable manner for discharging its fluid content between the photosensitive element and process sheet, and for this purpose has been illustrated with lips inserted into a space or slot provided between the photosensitive element and process sheet at the leading end of the image-recording unit.

The supporting frame 2 is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 3-10 and comprises a substantially rigid but slightly flexible opaque material, such as black styrene plastic, that has been molded, stamped or otherwise formed to provide a substantially planar and integral rectangular supporting structure for carrying the im age-recording unit 3, pod 6 and trap 7. The frame defines a first exposure or top side 27 (FIG. 3), a second bottom side 29 (FIG. 4), leading and trailing end portions 31 and 33, respectively, and lateral edge portions or rails 35 extending between and connecting the end portions. As will be described more fully hereinafter, the image-recording unit, pod and trap are adapted to be supported on the second or bottom side of the frame, and exposure of the recording unit from the top side is permitted by an exposure aperature 37 defined by the end and edge portions and extending entirely; through the frame from top to bottom. The aperature 37 and image-recording unit can be either square or rectangular. In either case, however, they will be considered as having longitudinal or length dimensions, extending between their leading and trailing ends, and width dimensions, extending between their lateral edges, as also will be true of various other elements of the film unit, such as the frame 2 and picture border 12. In such case, the width and length dimensions of the frame aperature, respectively, are less than the width and length dimensions of the recording unit, so the recording unit can overlie the aperature and can be supported by the frame at both ends and both edges. Such aperture dimensions are at least equal to and preferably are greater than the corresponding dimensions of the picture border 12, on the other hand, to permit exposure of the entire picture area defined by the border.

Referring to FIG. 5, depicting a cross-section of the lateral edge portions 35, the frame includes irregular or stepped surfaces including a vertical outer edge 39, defining the outermost width dimension or circumference of the film unit; a first top or exposure-side step 41, including lands 43 and 45 connected by an incline 47; a vertical inner edge 49, defining the exposure aperature; a flat film supporting surface 51, a guide or stripping slot 53, adapted to cooperate with related photographic apparatus described hereinafter; and a second bottom-side step 55 including first and second lands 57 and 59 connected by an incline 61. At least the stepped portions 41 and 55 are provided with complementary configurations that facilitate the stacking of a plurality of such film units in a compact manner that permits relative movement between adjacent stacked units only in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, the cooperating steps of adjacent film units provide a-labyrinth type of light seal to prevent premature exposure of the image-recording unit.

A cross section of the leading end portion 31 of the V frame 2 is depicted in FIG. 6 and comprises various edge and stepped surfaces substantially identical in configuration and for substantially the same purposes as described above. Additionally, however, the leading end portionincludes a tapered and inclined ramp 63 including a first exposure side or top surface 65, and a second bottom surface 67 for supporting the pod 6. Additionally, and as illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 7, one or both sides of the ramp 63 include a raised shim 69 and stepped guiding channels or surfaces 71 and 73 for purposes to be described more fully hereinafter. i

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 4, 8 and 10, the trap or excess-fluid collector 7 generally comprises a first or rigid part 75 for establishing a rigid collecting void or chamber and a flexible part 76 for covering and enclosing the first mentioned part. The rigid part is defined by and formed as an integral portion of the frame, and includes circumferential walls that terminate in flat surfaces 77 extending around all four sides of the rigid portion and lying substantially in a single plane. The surfaces 77 along one side 78 (FIG. 8) of the frame are adapted to support one end of the image-recording unit, as will become more apparent hereinafter, while such surfaces on the other three sides of the trap are adapted to support the above-mentioned flexible cover portion of the trap. The cover portion may be formed from any suitabe material such as craft paper and is permanently attached to the trap surfaces 77 by a suitable adhesive or seal having sufficient wet strength to prevent the escape of any excess processing composition collected in the trap. Preferably, however, one or more small aperatures or holes may be provided through the adhesive or through some other portion of p trailing end of the image-recording unit to enclose or confine that trailing end in a manner insuring that all of the excess processing composition expelled from the recording unit will be directed into the trap. Since there is no permanent connection between the trapand the image-recording unit, the unit easily can be withdrawn from the trap after processing has been initiated. A cross section of the trailing end portion of the frame is depicted in FIG. 8. It should be noted that a shim 80 (FIG. 3) and guide slots may be provided that are similar to the corresponding surfaces 69, 71 and 73, respectively, at the leading erid portion of the unit. It should also be noted, as most clearly illustrated in FIG.- 4, that the stripping or guide slots 53 extend to the very end of the frame 2, also for reasons that will become more apparent hereinafter.

As most clearly depicted in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, the frame defines a thickness (between its substantially planar top and bottom surfaces 45 and 59) that has sufficient depth to completely enclose and protect the image-recording unit 3, pod 6 and trap 7, against undesirable engagement and crushing or scratching by adjacent film units, or by elements of a cooperating film cartridge or photographic apparatus.

As briefly mentioned above, the image-recording unit 3 is releasably or strippably coupled to the frame 2. Such a coupling can be provided only by the interlocking relationships between the pod 6, the trap 7 and the ends of the film unit, in a manner to be described hereinafter. Preferably, however, the film supporting surfaces 51 that extend longitudinally of the-frame adjacent the lateral edges of the film unit are provided with an appropriate adhesive, cohesive or seal that maintains the image-recording unit in a substantially flat film plane. Additionally, the adhesive can be used to maintain the light-tight connecting relationship between the image-recording unit and the frame'to render the film unit insensitive to light impinging thereon from the bottom side thereof. In this connection it will be remembered-that the bottom side of the photosensitive element engaging the film supporting surfaces 51 is not exposable because of a previously. mentioned opaque layer. In a similar manner the leading end portions and the lateral edge portions of the frame prevent exposure of the image-recording unit from light impinging on the film unit at its end and edges. Thus the image-recording unit is substantially protected from exposure except from its first exposure or top side illustrated in FIG. 3.

In a somewhat similar manner, the pod 6 and flexible portion of the trap 7. are permanently attached to the leading and trailing ends of the frame by an adhesive, cohesive or seal that is permanent in nature.

The pod and trap also are releasably coupled to the image-recording unit 3.. However, such coupling preferably is only functional. For example, lips 23 on the pod maybe inserted between the photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5 at a leading end thereof, while trailing ends of the photosensitive and process elements may be inserted between similar lips 79 of the trap. In such case, no adhesive, cohesive or separate sealing means is required.

The pod 6 and the flexible portion 76 of trap 7 are dimensioned to extend across the width of the film unit at least to, and preferably beyond,the lateral portions of picture border 12 to insure 'efficient and complete spreading and collection of the processing composition. For purposes to be described more fully hereinafter, in connection with stripping of the image-recording unit from the frame, the pod and trap do not extend to the very edge portions of the image-recording unit, nor do they overlie the stripping slots or guides 53.

FILM ASSEMBLAGE AND PACK v The film units are adapted to be supplied in a pack 81 (FIG. 11) including a container 82 forreceiving an of the cartridge also may be provided with resilient means such as a bent-up spring 91 for engaging and urging the film units toward the forwardmost position in the cartridge.

The film assemblage 83 includes a plurality of the film units 1 and a dark slide 92 having a configuration similar to that of the film units but with a solid opaque center instead of the exposure aperture 37. When in such a stacked relation, and as briefly. mentioned above, the image-recording units are protected by the opaque layer'in the photosensitive sheet and by the opaque frame, from exposure from the bottom side, from the lateral edges, and from the leading ,edge.Additionally, the film units are protected from the top side by the dark slide 92 and from the trailing end by the back wall 86 of cartridge 82.

The pack is particularly constructed to permit sliding removal of the forwardmost film unit from the cartridge and over the upper surfaces 93 of abutment 90, while the abutment surface is constructed and located to block the withdrawal of any of the other film units during the withdrawal of the forwardmost film unit. The sliding movement also is controlled by cooperation between the cartridge side walls 87 and the steps 41 and 55 in the lateral edge portions of the frame, which constrain movement of the forwardmost film unit except in the longitudinal direction. After a film unit has been withdrawn from the pack, and as briefly mentioned above, the image-recording unit can be stripped from the frame, and the frame can be reinserted into the back of the cartridge between guide lip '89 and the lowermost surfaces 94 of the abutment member 90. PHOTOGRAPI-IIC APPARATUS FOR USE WITH FILM UNIT The film'unit and pack may be. used in photographic apparatus such as the camera depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprising a body portion 101, the juxtaposed pressure-applying members 25, a film transporting mechanism 103 and a stripping mechanism 105. As most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2, 26 and 27, the film transporting mechanism generally comprises a slidable drawer or chucker including a handle 108 accessible from the camera exterior for reciprocating the chucker between a first closed position within the camera, as ilassemblage 83 of the film units; The container may be formed from a single sheet of metal that is stamped in the proper configuration and bent to form a bottom wall 85, a trailing end wall 86, and side walls 87. The side walls additionally may be bent over at 88 to provide locating and restraining channels for maintaining the forwardmost film unit in proper position for exposure when the cartridge is received in a cooperating camera. Additionally, the side walls are bent over at their leading ends to form an inclined guiding surface 89 for purposes to become more apparent hereinafter, and abutment or control surfaces 90. The bottom wall lustrated in FIG. 2, and a second open position withdrawn from the camera illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27.

the chucker is moved in a first direction, from its closed position to its opened position, the claw 113 engages the trailing end of the forwardmost film unit and transports that unit betweenthe pressure-applying rollers 25 and from the camera body.

The pressure members preferably are of the stepped type illustrated and described in commonly assigned copending U.S application Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, and filed on Sept. 9, 1970, in the name of I-I. Nerwin now abandoned. In operation, raised shoulder portions 115 (FIG. 19) on the pressure members are adapted to ride on the marginal portions of the film unit as the unit is pulled between the members, while recessed central portions 116 of the members simultaneously are adapted to rupture the container -and spread the processing composition in a uniform layer.

As the fluid processing composition is expelled from the container and distributed between the photosensitive and process elements, hydraulic forces in the composition will separate the resilient elements in their central portions andforce them into engagement with the central portions of the pressure members. The height of the central recess in the members determines and is selected to spread the composition in a layer of proper initial thickness (approximately 0.006 inches).

As the processing composition is distributed, it immediately begins to permeate the various layers of the photosensitive element to initiate processing in a manner more fully described in commonly assigned, co-

pending U.S. application Ser. No. 027,990,, entitled PI-IOTOGRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING and filed on.Apr. 13, 1970 in the name H. E. Cole now abandoned. Additionally, various components for the processing. composition, including water, begin to escape or dissipate entirely through or otherwise from between the photosensitive and process elements to the surrounding atmosphere, resulting eventually in a drying of the processing composition. The composition comprises only a very small percentage of solids (e.g. less than 5 percent), and most of the rest of the composition (essentially water) eventually escapes from between the elements. As a result, forces holding the photosensitive and process elements apart are relieved the resiliency of the elements effects their return to facing engagement. By this time the image-recording unit again has assumed its original uniform flat configuration.

After processing has been initiated, the imagerecording unit 3 is particularly adapted to be stripped from the frame 2, pod 6 and trap 7, by the stripping mechanism 105 of associated photographic apparatus. This mechanism comprises a pair of spaced fingers or skiving surfaces 117 that are coupled by a vV-sh ap'ed central lifting guide 118. The fingers 117 are configured to mate with and slide in the stripping slots 53 of the film unit, both for guiding movement of the film unit through the stripping mechanism, and for entering between the image-recording unit the frame to skiv'e'or pry the recording unit from the frame. As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 20-24, the fingers first engage the lateral edges of the recording unit adjacent the trap to for force the lateral edges from the trap. Thereafter, the lateral edges of the recording unit ride up on the fingers 117 until the central portionof the recording unit is engaged by the V-shaped lifting guide 118, which then assures complete separation of the recording unit from the central portion of the trap. Complete separation is further facilitated by the-flexible nature of trap portion 76, that permits the leading end of the trap to fold upwardly away from the frame as the recording unit is separated from the frame. Separation of the recording unit from the pod is accomplished in a similar manner, and the completely separated recording unit is guided by the lifting guide 118 through an appropriate aperture in the camera body to a position where it is accessible from the exterior of the apparatus.

As briefly mentioned above, the pod and trap are not as wide as the recording unit and do not extend over the stripping slot in the rigid frame. Therefore, the pod and trap will move between and past the stripping fingers without being engaged or stripped thereby.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The operation of the preferred film unitwith'an asso=- ciated pack and camera is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 12-20. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the film units stacked in a cartridge, with the forwardmost unit in position for withdrawal and with the second or next successive unit blocked by cartridge abutment 90.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict the forwardmost unit during its withdrawal with its leading end passing between the pressure members. At this time the stepped end portions of the rollers engage and ride over the thickest portion of the frame and then drop down onto the pod supporting ramp 63 to effect rupturing of the pod.

The processing composition is exuded from the pod as illustrated in FIGS. l6-and l7, where it can bseen that the. shim 69 of the pod supporting ramp substantially fills the central relieved portion of the pressure members while the raised end portions of the pressure members ride and are guided in the ramp slots 71 and 73.111 addition to the guiding function, the shim is adapted to insure that substantially all of the processing composition will be expelled from the pod by essentially eliminating the effect of the step in the rollers while the rollers pass over the pod supporting ramp.

The next stage is spreading the processing composition is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, depicting the raised end portions of the rollers riding on the lateral edge portions of the film unit between the picture boundary 12 defined by the recording unit, and the exposure aperature 37 defined by the frame.

Finally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the

pressure members ride up on and are separated by the frame surfaces defining trap 7, to force any excess of the composition into the trap and then to relieve any further distributing pressure exerted on the composition by the pressure members.

. After the unit. has been withdrawn from the camera and completely from between the pressure-applying members, it will be resiliently urged. by spring 114, of the film transporting mechanism, from its raised position in the chucker'adjacent aforward portion of the camera body, to a lowered'position in the chucker adjacent the rearwardmost portion of the camera body. The unit is held in this lowermost position by a catching surface' in the camera body (not shown). Thereafter the chucker is moved in a second direction from its open position to its closed position, to push the film unit back into the container 82 behind the previously exposed or unexposed film units remaining therein. Simultaneously therewith, the stripping fingers located in the camera back enter the stripping slots or guides 53 in the lateral edges of the film unit and are moved between the frame and film unit in a skiving manner to strip or separate the image-recording unit from the frame. As the recording unit is separated from the frame it is guided by cooperating surfaces of the stripper or camera back and is directed through an aperture in the camera body to a position where it is accessible to the camera operator. The frame, pod and trap, on the other hand, are returned to and retained in the cartrid'ge for disposal with the other frames, pods and traps after they also have served their purpose in processing their related film units.

It should now be apparent that an improved film unit of the self-processing type has been provided that is particularly well adapted for convenient handling in associated photographic apparatus. Additionally, the units are provided with structure facilitating their use in assemblages that can be substantially light tight without requiring significant cooperating cartridge or camera structure for that purpose. Still further, the units include all elements necessary for their processing, when used with the intended apparatus, yet the imagerecording portions of the units easily can be separated from its other portions necessary only for processing, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing print that is unencumbered by processing waste materials. Moreover, such separation of the recording units from the processing waste can be accomplished without direct handling by the photographer. I

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

l. A self-processing film unit for recording a latent image of a subject to which said film unit is adapted to be exposed and for establishing a visible image in response to distribution of a processing composition across the latent image, said film unit comprising:

a substantially rigid frame member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit;

a flexible image-recording unit strippably coupled to said frame member, said image-recording-unit including means for recording the latent image; and

a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit, said container being strippably coupled to said image-recording unit and permanently attached to said frame member;

said image-recording unit being strippable from, and thereafter unencumbered by, said frame member and said container. i

2. The film unit'claimed in claim 1 further compris- 2 trap for collecting any excess of the processing composition from said image-recording unit, said trap being permanently attached to said frame member and strippably coupled to said imagerecording unit;

said image-recording unit being strippable from, and

thereafter unencumbered by, said trap.

3. A film unit for recording a latent image and for establishing a photographic print in response to a distribution of a processing composition over the latent image, said film unit comprising:

a disposable substantially rigid support member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit;

a preregistered image-recording unit strippably coupled to said support member, said image-recording unit including a photosensitive element for recording the latent image and a process element for effecting the distribution of the prpcessing composition thereover; and

a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit between said photosensitive and process elements, said container being permanently attached to said support member and strippably coupled to said image-recording unit; I

said image-recording unit being strippable from,

thereby permitting disposal of, said support member and said container.

4. The film unit claimed in claim 3 further comprising:

a trap for collecting any excess of the processing composition from said image-recording unit, said trap being permanently attached to said support member and strippably coupled to said imagerecording unit. Y

5. The film unit claimed leading and trailing ends defining a length dimension and lateral edge portions defining a width dimension, and wherein the length of width dimensionsof said support member are greater, respectively, then the length and width dimensions of said image-recording unit.

6. A self-processing film unit for recording a latent image of a subject in response to exposing said film unit to light reflected by the subject and for establishing a photograph of the subject in response to processing the latent image by a processing composition, said film unit comprising:

a substantially rigid frame member having first and second sides, leading and trailing end portions, and lateral edge portions extending between said end portions, said end and edge portions cooperatingto define an exposure aperture;

an image-recording unit separably coupled to said first side and extending across said aperture, said image-recording unit including means exposable from said second side through said aperture for recording the latent image; and

a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit to process the latent image and establish the photograph, said container being separably coupled to said image-recording unit and permanently attached to said frame member;

said image-recording unit being separable from, and

thereafter unencumbered by, said frame member and said container.

7. The film unit claimed in claim 6 wherein said end and edge portions define first and second substantially parallel surfaces on said first and second sides, respectively, and wherein said image-recording unit is disposed between said first and second surfaces to protect said image-recording unit.

8. The film unit claimed in claim 7 wherein said container is disposed between said first and second surfaces to protect said container.

9. The film unit claimed in claim 6 wherein said frame includes means defining an elongate slot parallel I with said lateral edge portions to facilitate separating said image-recording unit from said frame.

10. A film unit comprising: 7 a" substantially rigid frame member defining a leading end and lateral edges, said frame member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit;

' an image-recording unit defining a leading end and lateral edges; a container permanently attached to said frame member at the leading end of said frame member inicla-i-m-3 whereinea-ch of said support member and said image-recording unit has for supplying processing composition to the leading end of said image-recording unit; and means for releasably coupling said container to said image-recording unit at the leading end of' said recording unit, and for releasably coupling said image-recording unit to said frame member along the lateral edges of said image-recording unit and said frame member, to permit separation of said imagerecording unit from said container and from said frame member. 11. A film unit defining first and second faces, leading and trailing ends, and lateral edges extending between said ends, said film unit comprising:

an opaque substantially rigid frame member, said frame member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit; and

an integral photosensitive element coupled to said frame member, said element including a first layer of opaque light-insensitive material and a second layer of light-sensitive material permanently registered with said first layer; 7

said second layer being exposable to lightirnpinging on said film unit at said second face, said second layer being protected by said first layer against exposure to light impinging on said film unit at said first face and by said frame against exposure to light impinging on said film unit at said edges and at least one of said ends.

12. A film unit processable by a processing composi- I tion and usable with photographic apparatus including stripping fingers and means for guiding relative movement between said film unit and the stripping fingers, said film unit comprising:

a substantially rigid frame member, said frame member defining an elongated slot configured to receive and cooperate with the stripping fingers as said film unit is moved relative to the stripping fingers; and

an image-recording unit strippably coupled to said frame member and overlying said slot, said film unit being moveable relative to the stripping fingers, when the strippingfingers are in said slot between said image-recording unit and said frame member, to separate said image-recording unit from said frame member. V

13. The film unit claimed in claim prising: j

a container for containing the'processing composition, said container being strippably coupled to 12 further comsaid image-recording unit .andpermanently attached to said frame member, said container being configured and located relative to said slot so as to prevent stripping of said container from said frame member by the stripping fingers.

14. A self-processing film unit comprising:

a flexible image-recording unit;

disposable means for supporting said imagerecording unit, said supporting means being substantially rigid to facilitate handling of said'imagerecording unit, said supporting means'be'ing disposed about and forming the periphery of said film unit; and

means for strippably coupling said image-recording unit to said supporting means.

15. A film unit for use with photographic apparatus adapted to expose and initiate processing of said film unit, the apparatus including a pressure member having a step defining a predetermined height for distributing a processing composition across said film unit, said film unit comprising:

an image-recording unit;

a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit, said container defining rectangular surfaces;

a support member for supporting said imagerecording unit and said container; and

a shim defining a thickness approximately equal to the predetermined height, said shim being coupled to said support member in alignment with said rectangular surfaces to fill a substantial portion of the step and to ensure that the processing composition will be substantially entirely expelled from said container by the pressure member.

16. A disposable frame for supporting a preregistered image-recording unit of the self-processing type, said frame being adapted to cooperate with an adjacent frame in a stack of such frames, said frame comprising:

an elongated substantially planar and rigid element defining first and second faces and including means for supporting the image-recording unit; and

means defined by complementary and longitudinally oriented surface configurations on said first and second faces for cooperating with the second and first faces, respectively, of the adjacent frame to permit longitudinal sliding movement of said frame relative to the adjacent frame. 

2. The film unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a trap for collecting any excess of the processing composition from said image-recording unit, said trap being permanently attached to said frame member and strippably coupled to said image-recording unit; said image-recording unit being strippable from, and thereafter unencumbered by, said trap.
 3. A film unit for recording a latent image and for establishing a photographic print in response to a distribution of a processing composition over the latent image, said film unit comprising: a disposable substantially rigid support member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit; a preregistered image-recording unit strippably coupled to said support member, said image-recording unit including a photosensitive element for recording the latent image and a process element for effecting the distribution of the processing composition thereover; and a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit between said photosensitive and process elements, said container being permanently attached to said support member and strippably coupled to said image-recording unit; said image-recording unit being strippable from, thereby permitting disposal of, said support member and said container.
 4. The film unit claimed in claim 3 further comprising: a trap for collecting any excess of the processing composition from said image-recording unit, said trap being permanently attached to said support member and strippably coupled to said image-recording unit.
 5. The film unit claimed in claim 3 wherein each of said support member and said image-recording unit has leading and trailing ends defining a length dimension and lateral edge portions defining a width dimension, and wherein the length of width dimensions of said support member are greater, respectively, then the length and width dimensions of said image-recording unit.
 6. A self-processing film unit for recording a latent image of a subject in response to exposing said film unit to light reflected by the subject and for establishing a photograph of the subject in response to processing the latent image by a processing composition, said film unit comprising: a substantially rigid frame member having first and second sides, leading and trailing end portions, and lateral edge portions extending between said end portions, said end and edge portions cooperating to define an exposure aperture; an image-recording unit separably coupled to said first side and extending across said aperture, said image-recording unit including means exposable from said second side through said aperture for recording the latent image; and a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit to process the latent image and establish the photograph, said container being separably coupled to said image-recording unit and permanently attached to said frame member; said image-recording unit being separable from, and thereafter unencumbered by, said frAme member and said container.
 7. The film unit claimed in claim 6 wherein said end and edge portions define first and second substantially parallel surfaces on said first and second sides, respectively, and wherein said image-recording unit is disposed between said first and second surfaces to protect said image-recording unit.
 8. The film unit claimed in claim 7 wherein said container is disposed between said first and second surfaces to protect said container.
 9. The film unit claimed in claim 6 wherein said frame includes means defining an elongate slot parallel with said lateral edge portions to facilitate separating said image-recording unit from said frame.
 10. A film unit comprising: a substantially rigid frame member defining a leading end and lateral edges, said frame member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit; an image-recording unit defining a leading end and lateral edges; a container permanently attached to said frame member at the leading end of said frame member for supplying processing composition to the leading end of said image-recording unit; and means for releasably coupling said container to said image-recording unit at the leading end of said recording unit, and for releasably coupling said image-recording unit to said frame member along the lateral edges of said image-recording unit and said frame member, to permit separation of said image-recording unit from said container and from said frame member.
 11. A film unit defining first and second faces, leading and trailing ends, and lateral edges extending between said ends, said film unit comprising: an opaque substantially rigid frame member, said frame member disposed about and arranged to define the periphery of said film unit; and an integral photosensitive element coupled to said frame member, said element including a first layer of opaque light-insensitive material and a second layer of light-sensitive material permanently registered with said first layer; said second layer being exposable to light impinging on said film unit at said second face, said second layer being protected by said first layer against exposure to light impinging on said film unit at said first face and by said frame against exposure to light impinging on said film unit at said edges and at least one of said ends.
 12. A film unit processable by a processing composition and usable with photographic apparatus including stripping fingers and means for guiding relative movement between said film unit and the stripping fingers, said film unit comprising: a substantially rigid frame member, said frame member defining an elongated slot configured to receive and cooperate with the stripping fingers as said film unit is moved relative to the stripping fingers; and an image-recording unit strippably coupled to said frame member and overlying said slot, said film unit being moveable relative to the stripping fingers, when the stripping fingers are in said slot between said image-recording unit and said frame member, to separate said image-recording unit from said frame member.
 13. The film unit claimed in claim 12 further comprising: a container for containing the processing composition, said container being strippably coupled to said image-recording unit and permanently attached to said frame member, said container being configured and located relative to said slot so as to prevent stripping of said container from said frame member by the stripping fingers.
 14. A self-processing film unit comprising: a flexible image-recording unit; disposable means for supporting said image-recording unit, said supporting means being substantially rigid to facilitate handling of said image-recording unit, said supporting means being disposed about and forming the periphery of said film unit; and means for strippably coupling said image-recording unit to said supporting means.
 15. A film unit for use with photographic apparatus adapted to expose and initiate processing of said film unit, the apparatus including a pressure member having a step defining a predetermined height for distributing a processing composition across said film unit, said film unit comprising: an image-recording unit; a container for supplying the processing composition to said image-recording unit, said container defining rectangular surfaces; a support member for supporting said image-recording unit and said container; and a shim defining a thickness approximately equal to the predetermined height, said shim being coupled to said support member in alignment with said rectangular surfaces to fill a substantial portion of the step and to ensure that the processing composition will be substantially entirely expelled from said container by the pressure member.
 16. A disposable frame for supporting a preregistered image-recording unit of the self-processing type, said frame being adapted to cooperate with an adjacent frame in a stack of such frames, said frame comprising: an elongated substantially planar and rigid element defining first and second faces and including means for supporting the image-recording unit; and means defined by complementary and longitudinally oriented surface configurations on said first and second faces for cooperating with the second and first faces, respectively, of the adjacent frame to permit longitudinal sliding movement of said frame relative to the adjacent frame. 